Cycling past windmills

The cycle route starts in Sloten, to be precise at De Molen van Sloten. This is the name of a polder mill in the village of Sloten near Amsterdam. The mill is located on the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeerpolder.  

You cycle via the Ringvaart to Gemaal de Lynden on the Akerdijk in Lijnden. This historic steam pumping station, together with the Leeghwater and Cruquius steam pumping stations, ensured the drainage of the Haarlemmermeer in 1849.

With Boesingheliede you then arrive in Haarlemmerliede. Here you cycle past the Fort de Liede, the Fort at the Lie Bridge and various windmills. Eventually you arrive at the Fort near Penningsveer. These forts are all part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. It Fort at Penningsveer is the only fortress with two floors. Nowadays the Fort near Penningsveer is used as group accommodation for schools and institutions and for holding events. Fun fact: you can even rent the fort as a wedding venue! 

With Spaarndam you arrive in the small village of Spaarnwoude. Here you will find a church with a medieval tower. The Stubby Tower was built in 1764. Today, this is the location of Cultural Center Stompe Toren. This organization provides various activities in the church, such as exhibitions, concerts and workshops. The church also has a historical museum where you can learn everything about the history of this special church. 

After you cross the Spaarndammerdijk to Halfweg cycling you arrive at Brasserie Tommy's (formerly Koffie bij Kaatje) on the Spaarndammerweg. This is a perfect place for a delicious lunch. This cozy lunchroom is located on the edge of the recreation area Spaarnwoude and is the ideal place to recharge yourself for the last part of the bike ride. 

Via the Ringvaart and Halfweg you cycle the last part back to the end point. The route ends where you started, at the Molen van Sloten on the Akersluis in Sloten. Did you feel like taking this interesting cycling route with audio tour? Then quickly view the entire route via the link below!